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Over the last few years, the attitude towards water harvesting in Queensland households has changed dramatically. Most homeowners had invested in unlike the past when water tanks were most common on bush properties, now almost every suburban QLD homestead has a water storage tank.

Why You Should Invest in Rain Water Tanks

Although the great Australian drought first fuelled the condition, there are other numerous reasons why many QLS residents are opting for this form of water harvesting. Here are 4 benefits you’ll get if you buy rainwater tanks in cairns:

Increased Self-Sufficiency

Government water supply is known for lack of reliability and efficiency. In most cases, the supply system can be tampered with, or it becomes faulty. With the increasing population in QLD, the supply of water has also been strained thus reduces the amount of water reaching individual homesteads. Rainwater tanks act as the best supplement in such cases. It’s also less costly in that you don’t pay monthly fees as it is with the government water. These are just a few of factors that help in increasing your water efficiency.

High-Quality water

Water pollution is a problem that government water supply including the QLD’s is struggling with. In fact, it’s advisable to boil tap water before drinking due to possible contamination. But the harvested rainwater is said to be pure and free of contaminants. It’s cleaner and generally of higher quality than those found in dams or rivers which is usually contaminated. In fact, you don’t need to treat this rainwater before drinking. It’s also important to note that rainwater does not have salt in it making it great for laundry and other household activities.

Tank Water Rebates

Water harvesting is considered as one of the eco-friendly measures of conserving the environment. If all the rainwater is harvested, it will not be necessary to create artificial water supply that most of the time results into destabilisation of the ecosystem. That’s the reason why most governments have introduced rebates for such projects. In Australia, the government offers rebates to most “go green” or eco-friendly projects including rainwater harvesting investments.

Reducing Water Bills

Water is increasingly becoming expensive in Australia and Queensland is not an exception. Conserving water is a must. High water bill is something that most homeowners are struggling with and with ample harvesting of rainwater, you can drastically reduce these bills. Also, note that this water is highly unreliable especially during dry spells. You will only incur expenses during the initial installation.

It’s one of the downsides of moving out of the nest and on to your own greener pastures; that dreaded electrical bill eating up hundreds of unnecessary dollars. You’ll soon realize that hot water is the main culprit and depending on how serious you are about reducing your consumption, you might even consider having cold showers. It doesn’t have to go this far. There are options and ways to reduce your hot water system budget. We spoke with the installers at Hot Water Brisbane to find out more.

What’s in Storage?

Hot water is stored in two ways. Economists and environmentalists are still debating which one is the most economical.

Storage Tanks

Hot water storage tanks keep a certain amount of water heated and stored. This was the most economical way to use hot water. The water was heated during off peak times, leading to reduced costs. The downside with this is that once the hot water runs out, you need to wait for the next heating cycle or prepare for a cold shower.

Instant Heaters

The other option, and one that is becoming more popular is instant water heaters. Instant water heaters store cold water, and when you turn on the tap, they start a fast heating process so hot water comes out almost immediately.

These days, heating costs are high even during off peak hours as the cost of electricity continues to rise. Since we have more options now, such as solar and gas, instant heating is becoming more affordable.

Turn Up the Heat

Now that we’re clued up on our storage options, we can look at which heating option makes the most affordable hot water system.

Electricity

An electrically heated storage tank is cheap to buy and install, but expensive to run. Running the heating system during off peak times is cheaper, but then you’ll need a large tank because the water needs to last all day.

If you’re running the electrical heat all day expect your energy costs to skyrocket. Costs for the initial purchase of the hot water system are cheap however and can range anywhere from $300 – $1500 not including installation.

Gas

Although the price of gas is increasing, it’s still notably cheaper than electricity. Also, gas prices don’t change throughout the day, so you can have your system running continuously. Natural gas is cheaper than liquid petroleum gas, so it’s a more viable option. Costs vary significantly – from $900 – $2000 excluding installation costs.

Solar Power

An option that has garnered a lot of recognition in the last few years is solar heating. The solar panels are usually installed on the roof to get maximum sunshine. The storage tank will also have an electric or gas booster for days when there’s too little sun.

It’s expensive and time consuming to install, but if done correctly, the running costs will be very reasonable. Expect to pay between $2000 and $7000 for your system excluding installation costs.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is like an electric storage tank system, but more efficient. It extracts heat from the air and uses this to heat the water – like the way an air conditioner works. It can get noisy, so it shouldn’t be stored too close to the house and if you’re reside in cooler areas then it won’t be as effective. Government rebates can be claimed however prices range from $2500 – $4000 not including installation by a certified hot water system plumber.

Toilets are an important part of our daily lives. It’s not like during winter, you don’t have to do your business outside. However, people tend to be lazy or ignorant sometimes and end up throwing everything in the toilet, assuming that it will eventually be flushed away. Tampons and toilet paper are some of the most common materials, which end up being flushed away. However, many thing should not be thrown be flushed down the toilet. Doing so results to significant plumbing problems and environmental pollution as well.

What to Flush

There is a simple rule that says that only 3 things should be flushed down the toilet. These are toilet paper, pee and poop. There is no reason to complicate things. If it is not one of the above 3 materials, then you should not be flushing it down the drain where it may cause a clog that will need a professional to unblock.

What You Should Avoid

The list here is long. However, as a rule, if it is not one of the 3 items listed above, then it has no business being flashed down the toilet. For clarity’s sake, here are some of the most common items that people throw into the toilet but should not end up there in the first place. Tissue paper, paper towels and Kleenex should not be flushed.

These types of paper tend to stick together when wet and then absorb moisture. Once that happens, it may take quite a long period, to break them down. This might cause blockages in the sewer system. Pharmaceuticals, condoms and unused drugs should never be flushed. However, many people out there believe this is the safest way to dispose them.

The problem with this is that some sewer systems are not designed to remove the chemicals contained in these drugs. This means that they are not removed but end up in rivers and lakes or even in ground water. People swimming such rivers and lakes as well as the communities drinking the contaminated water, can suffer from serious health problems. Other materials to avoid include:

Fats, greases and oils

Big chunks of garbage such as metal or wood

Corrosive substances

Explosive or flammable liquids

Toxic substances

Poisons and hazardous waste

Bottom Line

Many materials that are poured or flushed down the drain, can lead to serious plumbing problems. They can destroy the pipes connected to city sewers together with the city sewer system. Every home connected to the city sewer system, is a potential contributor of sewer problems. Every property owner or homeowner should therefore take responsibility and avoid flushing down some materials that can cause blockages.

While thousands of fortunate Australians have a pool to play in this summer, many of them won’t make good use of it. You probably know the feeling yourself. Once the excitement of having a pool at your disposal wears off, you hardly ever make time to go for a swim and maintenance of the pool becomes a weekly chore with no reward.

If you would like to get back out into the water to enjoy what you are so lucky to have at your disposal, there are plenty of ways to motivate yourself. Take a look at some of the suggestions below and get back in the sunshine this summer. Not only is it healthy for you to get some exercise and some vitamin D, but it also gives you time to kick back and unwind from your stressful week at work.

Invite your Friends over for a Swim

If you find it hard to get the motivation to get out and make use of the pool, why not invite some lesser fortunate friends over to swim with you. Those without a pool at their disposal are often overjoyed at the thought about spending some time in the water. Encourage your kids to invite their friends, or ask your friends and their children over to play. You might even wish to take it upon yourself to host a pool party BBQ, which will definitely remind you of the fun times that can be had by your pool.

Purchase some Fun Pool Accessories

There are some really great pool accessories now available which will help you better enjoy your time in the sun. Take a look online and see what appeals to you. There are comfortable inflatable lounges that float on the water if you just like to float around and relax in the sun, of if you want something a bit more group oriented you can get floating ping pong and beer pong tables too.

The AirChair is a great new invention for 2016 that can be used as a floating sofa or as a comfortable lounge to relax on beside the pool. It inflates in seconds and folds down into a tiny and light package so it’s great for taking on holidays to the beach too. Simple but fun pool accessories can make your time spend outdoors just that little bit more enjoyable and encourage you to get off your own lounge chair more often.

Start Swimming regularly for Fitness

Nothing works out all the muscles in your body like swimming does. It’s low impact but great for fitness. Why not incorporate some swimming into your exercise regime. Mix it up with you gym workout for some all over conditioning, or if you don’t often exercise start swimming to help get you back into shape.

You’ll be amazed at how awake you feel after a few laps in the morning, and because your pool is so conveniently located at your home, you’ve really got no excuse! Still finding it hard to get motivation? If the 30 degree summers can’t compel you to get into your pool, find a friend to exercise with you. Having someone else to encourage you to hit the water on the regular can be a great motivator, and you’ll be able to compare experiences as you improve.

These are just a few ways to make better use of the pool at your home. If you have some other ideas feel free to let us know, we’d love to hear about them! So what are you waiting for, unless you’re outside reading this on your mobile device by the pool, go ahead and jump right in. It might take the tiniest bit of effort now but we promise you’ll be glad you did!

Plumbing problems are the most prevalent issue for most households. They make up roughly 60% of all repairs that are done in our homes and they can also be the most damaging.

For example, let’s say your on holidays and your leaky toilet overflows. This kind of freak accident happens more often than you think and can ruin your home’s structural foundations by rotting wood and weakening floorboards as well as compromising electrical devices and power points.

So rather than an expensive repair job, you’re much better off taking some time to prevent the need for any emergency plumbing or worse. Here are a few insights from LJM Plumbing & Drainage on how to maintain your pipes and fittings to reduce the risks of a plumbing emergency.

1. Always Check and Monitor Your Water Pressure

The water pressure in your home could be the source of pipe breakages and other water related plumbing problems. It’s recommended that you check and monitor the water pressure and seal any fissures or leaks, and get to the cause of the problem before it escalates into something bigger.

2. Conduct a Toilet Maintenance Check

Sometimes you may suspect that your toilet is leaking, but you aren’t sure where. The best place to begin your check is the toilet tank. Sometimes the rubber cover located at the bottom of the tank (flapper) which releases water after a flush may warp and start leaking.

To confirm your doubts, add a few drops of food colouring in the tank and leave it overnight. If you find your bowl filled with the same colour, then you need to replace the flapper.

3. Regularly Clean your Tank

As time goes by, hard water limescale, bacteria, metal stains and mildew can accumulate in your tank. Since this is the same water that is used to flush the toilet, if you don’t clean your tank thoroughly, this tainted water can make your toilet bowls difficult to clean. To avoid this mess, clean your tank regularly.

4. Re-Caulk the Base of the Toilet

For some time now, there has been a serious discourse in the plumbing realm about the validity and usefulness of caulking the toilet base. What many people don’t know is that leaking from the inner part of the toilet is prevented by the layer of wax at the bottom of the commode and not by the waterproof caulking.

If the layer of the wax deteriorates, caulking restrains the water from getting out temporarily, and you might not see any leakage until later. However, caulking prevents the water from outside sources such as from the shower or overflow from getting under the toilet and rotting the floors. Furthermore, it looks aesthetically attractive.

5. Rinse Your Bowl Thoroughly

A shiny toilet is nice to look at, but this is not the main reason why it should be kept clean. Keeping the bowl clean helps to prevent clogging, corrosion and makes it easy to detect an incoming problem. An easy and natural way of keeping your bowl pristine is by cleaning siphon jets using a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water.

6. Avoid Pouring Cooking Oil Down The Drain

Most of the blockage in the drains especially the ones in the kitchen are caused by cooking grease. When cooking oil is sent through the kitchen drain, it cools, hardens up and blocks the drain. Instead of pouring it down the drain, put it in an empty juice or milk carton and dispose of it in the garbage. The drainage pipes will be efficient and will serve you for longer problem free.

7. Make Use of Drain Screens

Utilize cheap but quality metal or plastic drain screens in your bathtub, kitchen sink, and shower to prevent items such as food particles, toothpaste caps, hair and jewellery from going down the drain. You can also make use of plastic drain screens in your bathroom sink drains to stop soap slivers, hair, and other potent drain blockers.

8. Unblock Clogged Drains with Monthly Baking Soda Treatments

Instead of relying on expensive plumbing solutions such as toxic drain cleaning products, sprinkle ¼ cup of baking soda down the kitchen sink and bathtub drains, and flush with enough warm water to effectively get the powder down into the drain. Then, add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it stay there overnight to dissolve bacteria and scum and later flush the sinks with hot water in the morning.

Turn faucets off with moderation if you want them to last longer. Forcefully cranking the handles or over-tightening can make them fail faster and start leaking. If you’re looking for more water saving tips check out our previous post about conserving water.

10. Install A Hose Screen In Your Washing Machine

To increase the longevity of your washing machine, install affordable hose screens on cold and hot water hoses to keep sediments and other impurities from clogging the washing machine valves and pumps. Check to see if the screens have debris or deposits once or twice a year and replace them if they are worn out.

Today the word green has a whole new meaning. Once a word that just described a color, the word green now defines the environmentally friendly, energy efficient practices relating to recycling, appliances, light bulbs, home improvement and so much more. Environmental consciousness nowadays is being promoted more than ever with the advent of climate change, increasing pollution, global cooling and the like. People are beginning to make their homes more eco-friendly to counter this. Green plumbing is part of this process. There are so many ways to go green in your home, but few present more opportunity than your plumbing. Not only will green plumbing lower utility costs in the long run, but it will certainly make your home and the environment healthier.

Green plumbing, as the name suggests, means installing and running the plumbing system of a home or office in a way that helps save energy, minimize water consumption, decrease chemical effects and reduce utility bills. Its practices have a lot to do with saving water and energy by changing inefficient plumbing fixtures such as faucets, shower heads, toilets, even water tanks to more efficient ones.

The green plumbing concept essentially involves setting up reduced volume fixtures, low-flush toilets, and low-flow or waterless urinals. Moreover, according to the green plumbing concept, since storage, usage and distribution of water consumes energy, conservation of water helps conserving energy as well.

Many companies are now striving to reach a green star rating which is ideal for securing large projects. One Sydney based plumbing contractor has been promoting the use of green fixtures for years. “Not only are we helping the environment with these water saving appliances, our clients are report huge savings in water bills” – Jack Jones, Sydney Plumber Co.

Green plumbing can first be employed in the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are the areas that consume large amounts of water on a daily basis. Install efficient tankless or solar water heaters can save between 30-50 percent in water and energy consumption. Flushing your toilet accounts for the single biggest water draw in the home, to the tune of about 28 gallons of water per person, per day. A typical low-flush toilet uses anywhere from two to five times less water per flush. Replacing systems with greener products such as pipes on the exterior, water circulation pumps and water heaters can help in lowering the energy costs of the home to a huge extent. You can also turn your plumbing greener by adding chlorine filters to the showers. Installing an on-demand hot water circulation pump can also prevent wastage.

More businesses are realizing that the future of the Earth is placed squarely on the shoulders of society. That includes tradesmen who promote being green and educate people about the benefits of being more environmentally friendly. By using sustainable materials and products, water usage can be reduced and recycled effectively. Even though going green sounds likes an expensive venture, in the long-run you actually end up saving. The initial costs may seem higher, but like many home repair jobs, when you think about the long-term benefits, such as lower energy costs or water usage, the price is well worth the initial investment.

A reverse osmosis water filter is the perfect way to help remove arsenics, sodium, copper, lead, nitrates, and other unwanted particulates from your water. Using pressure to push the water through pores, the technology and price behind a device like this is not overly complicated or pricey. In addition, it can be surprisingly simple to install a reverse osmosis water filter under your sink with the right preparation.

The following guide is your DIY resource for installing an under-kitchen water filter in your home. Please be aware that if you’re installing a whole house water system, such as a softening system or reverse osmosis filter, professional installation is recommended.

What You Will Need

First you will need your reverse osmosis (RO) filter system, which should be purchased with its intended use in mind and be capable of fitting under your sink. You get what you pay for with these systems, and considering that they will provide the drinking water for your family for years to come, we recommend choosing a high quality RO system rather than price shopping for a bargain.

Many different companies sell these devices with this particular intended use in mind. In addition to the reverse osmosis filter system, you will also require a low-pressure tire gauge for later in the installation. Along with these components, make sure you have an adjustable wrench/spanner, a utility knife, and a 4-in-1 screwdriver, as they will help in installing components.

Again, this is only a DIY guide however if you have any concerns for your safety we strongly recommend you hire the services of a professional local plumber.

Instructions

1. You Will Want To Mount The Water Supply Feed

More often then not the filter assembly will hang either from the side or back wall under the sink itself. Turning off the cold and hot water shutoffs, you can then carefully install the saddle or T valve that will come with your reverse osmosis water filter. After that, push the tubes into the inlet valve. Be sure to tighten by hand, and then with an additional half turn using a tool. Make sure that you do not make this connection too tight.
The following video will guide anyone unsure of how to locate the shutoff valves:

2. Your Next Step Is To Attach The Sink Mixer

The next thing you are going to do is to feed the water supply lines to their new destinations. This includes the line supplying water, as well as the two waste lines. Going through the gasket as well as the faucet base, it may take a little bit to ensure that everything is going where intended. In addition, the waste lines have no connection to the supply, but should be run through the base of the faucet to stop backups. As an additional note, be sure to cut off any excess tubing that is not required when attaching to the sink faucet.

3. Carefully Attach Drain Line Connector

You will next want to carefully attach the drain line connecter to the bottom base of the sink.

4. Finish By Mounting Storage Tank

The last few things you will do involve carefully mounting the new reverse osmosis water filter to one of the walls below the sink. In addition, you will want to install the final, main waterline in.

5. Clean Everything

With everything set up, be sure to carefully check connections and make sure nothing is loose. With that taken care of, clean and disinfect the various parts of the setup, including areas that connect. Finally, you can careful turn the water back on and test the system for yourself. If any problems arise, then review the instructions given with the reverse osmosis water filter.

Finally, don’t forget to maintain your RO system just like you would maintain your hot water system to avoid having to deal with replacement costs. One thing you can be sure of is that once you go reverse osmosis, you’ll never go back to regular drinking water!

Winter is fast approaching and as usual there are those families who have left their hot water system maintenance until the last minute. During the colder winter months, the need for a functioning hot water system is essential and one should never forget to regularly check on their water-heating unit for signs of age-related damage. Some local plumbing companies offer specials to their customers as winter approaches to ensure there is not a surge in maintenance calls once the colder nights have set in.

Many homeowners do not realise that they should keep an eye on the condition of their water heating systems. Through normal everydayusageyour water heater may stop working as well as it once did. One Sydney hot water plumber we spoke to, who works in the Sutherland Shire, told us he often receives emergency call-outs during winter when the water stops heating properly or tanks start leaking water. If you notice hot water seeping from your tank connections or pipes or the water is taking a particularly long time to heat up then you should act fast to make a decision about having your system repaired. Those who stand around for too long will have the decision made them when the system completely breaks and needs replacing.

If your water heater has past the average 10-year lifespan then you will more than likely need to have your whole system replaced. Replacing the whole system is not as bad as it may first seem, the newer models on the market are now more water and energy efficient. These eco-friendly heaters contribute towards saving homeowners money when the utility bills come around. Hot water units that are less than 10 years old may be in good enough condition to have some simple maintenance work done on them and save you from forking out thousands of dollars on a new unit.

There are some common malfunctions of water heaters that most homeowners would be able to rectify with the proper instruction. Most heaters will have a built in circuit breaker that is set to trip as soon as an overload or short circuit on within the system occurs. Circuit breakers are very sensitive and can activate for no real reason. If you have located the circuit breaker and performed a visual inspection to find no leaking water or broken pipes there you can confidently switch the circuit breaker back to the opposite position. This is the easiest and most common problem that plumbers and homeowners are faced with when repairing and hot water system.

More serious problems should be left to the professionals, as there is a risk of harming oneself if the right precautions are not taken. Plumbers are qualified to deal with these sorts of issues, ranging from leaking or cracked pipes to strange hissing sounds. “Hissing” will most of the time be the result of a leak in the line, if you cannot find the leaking pipework it is most likely beneath the floor or within the walls, such issues should be dealt with straight away as any leaking water within your house may lead to bigger and more serious problems like mould or even rotting. Reliable plumbers are often able to locate and remove the broken pipework and repair the system within an hour of turning up to your property.

Avoid the need for an emergency plumbing companyby keeping an eye on your water heating system all year round. This will help you avoid any major problems. If not you will find out the hard way how inconvenient it is to go without; or even worse – how expensive the replacement process is.

Experiencing a drought is tough for all living things. When a water shortage lasts for quite a long period of time, it isn’t just humans that suffer, but animals too. Luckily, we are created with high level of adaptability that allows us to easily adjust to whatever situation we face. During a drought, we are generally well aware of the scarcity of water so we can take steps to reduce our consumption and make the future easier for ourselves.

Here are some simple tips on saving water for the future:

Remember to turn off all taps and showers after use – By turning them off properly, it will stop wastage through slow dripping. Each small drop adds up to an enormous amount over time. Remember every drop counts.

Check your water pipes for any leakages – Even a small leak can dramatically reduce your water supply. Take the time to check your pipes to ensure that no water is being wasted. If there is a leak, contact a plumber to fix it as soon as possible.

Do use low flow shower heads instead of regular shower heads – This type of shower head controls pressure and minimizes water wastage.

Gather the water from the rain in a container – Rainwater is free, might as well take advantage of it while you can. Before a drought, you can start collecting rain water and you can use it for various household cleaning activities, washing your car and even watering your plants. It’s even better if you have a water tank connected to your roof to collect the water.

Wash your car with a bucket and sponge – Don’t use a running hose, use a bucket filled with enough water (rain water is preferable) then wash your car thoroughly with the use of a sponge. A running hose can waste countless litres of water.

Personally hand water your plants in the garden – Instead of using sprinklers or a hose to watering the plants, it is better to hand water them. Hand water at the base part of the plants, not on the top of the leaves. Through this method, more water will get to the plants and less will be wasted through evaporation and bad aim.

Brush your teeth with a glass of water and don’t leave the tap running – Letting the water run from the tap wastes water. When brushing, it is far better to use a glass of water for rinsing instead of running the tap.

Wash your vegetables and fruits in a bowl, not under a running tap – You can thoroughly wash the vegetables and fruits when you put them in a basin filled with water. Running the tap is unnecessary and wasteful.

Store water in the refrigerator instead of drinking from the tap – Most people tend to drink water by turning on the tap and let the water run. Better to store water in the fridge, a pour out only what you need, when you need it.

When using a bath tub, just fill it with water half way – you can save huge amount of water when the bath tub is not filled to the brim.

Help save water by following these tips. Learn to trim down unnecessary usage so that water can be used to its full extent.

The issue on water management generally has a lot to do with how to allocate this most precious resource equitably. Given our continuously expanding global population, this has not been easy to achieve if recent observations are to be made as the basis.

There are actually a number of reasons effective water management is turning out as an impossible dream. For starters, conservation efforts all around the world focus on many different areas like the dwindling forest systems, the greenhouse issue, massive poverty, and many others. In all of these efforts, attempting to conserve water through efficient use is hardly given ample attention.

Additionally, there appears to be a misplaced sense of priority among the people living all across the planet. A good example of this was a recent study showing that some people were actually willing to spend money so about 200,000 species of birds could be saved from an oil spill disaster at sea but would not be willing to donate to a fund to provide shelter to 2000 birds in need of a home.

In another related aspect, some environmental groups tend to give premium to global issues like over-fishing and illegal farming practices without realizing that these problems are heavily connected to efforts at introducing an efficient water conservation program.

In this regard, Australian Treasury Secretary Ken Henry observed that in his country alone, the issue about the proper use of water resources has long been discussed. He said that the government has conducted extensive research on this subject with a view to finding a long-lasting solution.

Sadly, noted Henry, even as Australians have been made aware of a growing water problem in their midst, many have continued to make incorrect decisions and have relied more on intuition when it comes to saving water. This has made many government-initiated water management projects generally ineffective.

Speaking at a forum during the Weereewa festival held along Lake George, Henry said that people until now have yet to fully recognize just how serious the environmental problem is. This observation is now being linked to continuing researches indicating that from a psychological standpoint, man has not been successful in completely understanding the kind of danger that the entire planet is currently facing.

The researches further note that the mind appears to have difficulty assessing environmental issues when these are presented in terms of large numerical data. In order to appreciate these, the mind substitutes the data with a single representative image. This presents a problem as there is the tendency to see the problem as insignificant and affects only one specific person.

Given this, when it comes to an abstract concept like water management, the danger lies in the possibility that this will be viewed as a tiny component in the face of seemingly more pressing global issues. Given this, it becomes clear that the more urgent concern is how to make people become informed more accurately.

Indeed, more extensive awareness programs should be looked into if any conservation plans like a comprehensive water management project is to succeed. This is not something falling entirely on the shoulders of those in power. Every individual should find time to share his thoughts on how to address the many diverse issues that the world is currently facing.